Totem Global appoints ex-ABC content chief Chris Oliver-Taylor as global director of strategic partnerships

Australian digital content monetisation platform Totem Global has appointed former ABC chief content officer Chris Oliver-Taylor as global director of strategic partnerships in a consulting capacity.

Chris Oliver-Taylor

Oliver-Taylor left the ABC in late February following an organisational restructure and ahead of the start of new managing director Hugh Marks’ tenure in March.

Speaking to C21 Media on his new appointment, Oliver-Taylor said: “Joining a forward-looking business like Totem Global is a great opportunity to continue their expansion and development both in Australia and internationally.”

Oliver-Taylor’s new role will include international business development and company expansion in addition to amplifying content acquisition and distribution deals across digital platforms, FAST, AVoD and emerging digital distribution platforms.

He added that for producers and distributors, “there are significant financial returns available right across the digital AVoD and FAST environment.”

Totem Global said Oliver-Taylor’s extensive leadership experience across the ABC, Netflix, Fremantle and Matchbox Pictures coupled with his “knowledge, experience and infectious energy is a perfect fit for our team.”

“Known for his strategic vision, digital innovation, and a passion for building impactful partnerships, Chris will play a key role in expanding our global reach, forging new opportunities and helping us shape the future of digital-first content,” said Totem Global CEO and founder Stephen Crombie.

In operation for over 10 years, Totem Global has pioneered the development of television and social media creator based IP across digital platforms using data and insights.

Over the last two years the company has shifted focus from consulting services to building owned and operated channels including leveraging CJZ’s Bondi Rescue IP for a dedicated channel and First Nations creator brand Black As. Totem also works with content creators to support and extend digital rights management and international platform opportunities.